Aptamer-Functionalized Hydrogel for Self-Programmed Protein Release via Sequential Photoreaction and Hybridization

Abstract

A dynamic hydrogel that sequentially responds to two independent but interrelated physical and biomolecular signals was reported in this work. Once hit by an external light signal, an immobilized internal molecular signal is activated and freed via photoreaction; and subsequently the freed molecular signal works as a self-programming factor of the hydrogel to induce the dissociation of a biomolecular complex to release protein via hybridization reaction. Notably, pulsatile external light input can be converted to periodical protein output from the hydrogel to regulate cell migration. Thus, this hydrogel holds potential as a self-programming platform for biological and biomedical applications such as controlled release of bioactive substances.

Multiplex microRNA imaging in living cells using DNA-capped-Au assembled hydrogels

“…miRNA, siRNA or DNA aptamers) for cell-specific gene delivery in biological applications. 18 , 29 , 33 , 34 The intrinsic responsive properties, high cell uptake efficiency and gene loading capacity of DNA hydrogels 35 endow them with great potential for intracellular DNA/RNA functional molecular trigger responsive detection, which has barely been explored.…”

Biohybrid Design Gets Personal: New Materials for Patient‐Specific Therapy

“…Lai et al demonstrated another approach toward protein release that relied on an aptamer‐functionalized hydrogel . The researchers utilized a multistep approach to program biomolecule release, wherein a light stimulus freed an internal molecular signal, which then induced the release of a protein via a hybridization reaction.…”

“…Lai et al demonstrated another approach toward protein release that relied on an aptamer-functionalized hydrogel. [42] The researchers utilized a multistep approach to program biomolecule release, wherein a light stimulus freed an internal molecular signal, which then induced the release of a protein via a hybridization reaction. This offered a method for externally controlling protein release that did not change the elastic modulus of the gel, as the crosslinks that determined the mechanical properties of the 3D polymer network were not affected by protein release.…”

Light-degradable hydrogels as dynamic triggers for gastrointestinal applications

“…A substantial body of work has shown that poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogel networks polymerized using acrylated ortho-nitrobenzyl (oNB) can be triggered on demand by blue light (365 to 405 nm) and that the material and resultant degradation by-products are biocompatible (26,27). The use of these compliant light-triggerable hydrogels has, however, been restricted to in vitro encapsulation and release of living cells, proteins, and model therapeutics for studies of cell mechanics in physiological and pathological states (28,29). In vivo use of light-degradable hydrogels has thus far been precluded by the low elasticity and strength of these materials.…”